Jody Kossow pleads not guilty to killing 8-year-old son

ROCKFORD — Jody L. Kossow could spend the rest of her life in prison if convicted in the Sept. 10 killing of her 8-year-old son Thomas.

Appearing before Judge John Lowry Friday, Kossow, 39, pleaded not guilty to all 52 charges filed in a new bill of indictment from the Winnebago County Grand Jury.

She was arrested when Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies and Rockford Police Department officers found her in the driveway of her family home in the 200 block of Woodrow Street with Thomas’ bloodied body.

A kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon was found on the pavement nearby.

Thomas was stabbed multiple times and his throat was cut.

Of the 52 counts in the bill of indictment, 48 charge Kossow with first-degree murder, typically punishable by 20 to 60 years in prison. But each charge is a slightly different and crafted to match what prosecutors think might be proven at an eventual trial.

Some of the allegations call for an extended prison term of up to natural life in prison. Extended term charges include several that have to do with the victim’s age, accusations that the killing was “cold, calculated and premeditated” and allegations the killing was done in a brutal and heinous manner “indicative of wanton cruelty.”

Eight of the first-degree murder charges seek an extended sentence because the “murder involved the infliction of torture.”

Thomas’ slaying shocked family members, stunned his teachers and classmates and saddened the working class neighborhood where the Kossow family lived just outside Rockford.

Loved by those who knew him, the red-headed boy was described as energetic, eager to help and playful.

Family members including Thomas’ father have attended virtually every court hearing since Kossow’s arrest. They have typically declined to comment fearing that doing so could damage the case against her.

Public defender David Doll entered the plea of not guilty on Kossow’s behalf. Doll told Lowry that he is filing a motion seeking a reduction in Kossow’s $2 million bond. The measure is expected to be opposed by Winnebago County Assistant State’s Attorney Marilyn Hite-Ross, the criminal bureau chief.

A hearing was scheduled Nov. 19 on the bond motion. Doll told Lowry he might call a witness during the hearing as he argues for a lower bond. Hite-Ross said she could call a witness to challenge it.

Kossow arrived in court at least 30 minutes late because of a miscommunication between the courts and Winnebago County Jail officers, Lowry said.